Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, has vowed never to compromise with the government under any pressure. His statement was shared by his sister, Alima Khan, during a visit to him in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Amid rumors of secret negotiations with the government, PTI plans a strong anti-government movement after Eid ul-Fitr. PTI leader Shoaib Yusufzai highlighted increasing political tensions between ruling parties PPP and PML-N, predicting the government’s imminent downfall.

KUET has enforced a strict ban on all political activities, extending it to faculty and staff. The university will take legal action against outsiders involved in Tuesday’s violence and temporarily expel students directly linked to the clashes. A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident. The violence erupted after Chhatra Dal activists distributed membership forms, triggering student protests. Clashes left over 60 injured. Meanwhile, Jubo Dal expelled leader Mahbubur Rahman after his armed presence during the violence went viral.

Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) has suspended all academic activities until February 28 following violent clashes on campus. In an emergency syndicate meeting, authorities banned political involvement of students, faculty, and staff, expelled students involved in attacks, and formed a four-member investigation committee. Protesting students locked administrative and academic buildings, demanding the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation. The campus remains tense after a clash between two student groups over banning student politics left around 50 injured. Officials remain confined due to ongoing protests.

Family members of those injured and killed in the July-August movement have staged a sit-in protest outside Gate 5 of the Secretariat, demanding the fulfillment of three key demands. The protesters, under the banner of “Injured and Martyred Families of the People’s Uprising”, gathered at 1:00 PM on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, they had assembled at Shahbagh before marching towards the Secretariat. Their demands include: 1. Categorization of the injured protesters into two groups for proper support. 2. A special protection law for the families of the injured and deceased. 3. Access to proper medical treatment, psychological counseling, and an emergency hotline to address their concerns.

Rubel Ahmed (32), a leader of the Chhatra League’s Adabor unit and the son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s personal driver, Razzak Matbar, has been arrested. Law enforcement detained him late Tuesday night during a raid in the Metro Housing area of Mohammadpur. ADC Jewel Rana confirmed the arrest, stating that Rubel was allegedly involved in attempts to carry out destructive activities in Mohammadpur under the instructions of fugitive leaders abroad. After videos of his actions surfaced on social media, he went into hiding.

A devastating whale stranding has occurred on a beach in Tasmania, Australia, where 157 whales have become trapped. Among them, 67 have already died, while rescue efforts are underway to save the remaining 90. The stranded whales belong to the false killer whale species, known for their medium-sized black bodies. Australia’s Department of Environment has deployed marine specialists to the site to coordinate rescue operations. Experts estimate that the whales have been stranded for 24 to 48 hours. Authorities are assessing whether the surviving whales can be safely returned to the ocean. Due to the risks involved, the public has been advised to avoid the area.

A ninth-grade madrasa student was raped while on a trip to Gazni Obokash in Sherpur. Overwhelmed with shame, the victim’s mother consumed poison and is now in critical condition at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. The victim’s father has filed a case at Jhenaigati police station. According to the police, on February 14, the girl had gone to Gazni Spot with her friends when a 35-year-old man named Elias detained and raped her. The influential perpetrator attempted to suppress the incident and pressured the victim’s family to remain silent. However, as the incident became known, the victim’s mother attempted suicide. The officer-in-charge (OC) of Jhenaigati police station stated that efforts are underway to arrest the accused.

Students of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have locked down the university’s administrative and academic buildings, demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor along with five other key demands. The protest escalated on Wednesday at around 1:30 PM, following tensions on campus due to an attack on students. Amid the unrest, the Vice-Chancellor remains confined inside the university premises. Earlier in the day, the 98th syndicate meeting was postponed, leading to an emergency session starting at 11:30 AM. The Deputy Registrar confirmed that the Vice-Chancellor participated in the meeting virtually due to being under lockdown. The protesting students have reiterated their demands, which include banning student politics, ensuring justice for the attack victims, and the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and five other officials.

During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara on Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Turkey could serve as an ideal venue for the planned peace talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to fostering peace between Russia and Ukraine, expressing readiness to provide all necessary support to ensure the success of the negotiations. He emphasized that Ankara unequivocally recognizes Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, Erdoğan mentioned that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the war aligns with Turkey’s policies over the past three years. In response, Zelensky expressed his gratitude.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has praised Sudan for its strong support for Palestine and its stance against Israeli attacks on Gaza. He called for Sudan’s participation in an emergency meeting of Islamic countries regarding the brutal plan to forcibly relocate Gaza’s population. Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf Ahmed Al-Sharif met with Iran’s Foreign Minister in Tehran on Monday. Araghchi expressed regret over Sudan’s internal conflicts and stressed the importance of national unity among Sudanese people to safeguard their country from foreign intervention.

The Chairman of the Inter-Education Board Examination Control Committee and Controller of Examinations of the Dhaka Education Board, Professor SM Kamal Uddin Haider, announced the schedule for the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams. According to the timetable, theoretical exams will begin on 26th June and continue until 10th August, while practical exams will be held from 11th August to 21st August. In a statement, ten guidelines were issued for candidates, including the requirement to take their seats 30 minutes before the exam starts. The exams will be conducted in two parts: multiple choice first, followed by creative/subjective (theoretical) questions. The 30-mark multiple-choice section will have a 30-minute duration, while the 70-mark creative exam will be allocated 2 hours and 30 minutes.

In a courtesy meeting with Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain on Wednesday, Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi assured swift action on the long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers. Deputy Minister Tripodi also reiterated Italy’s strong support for the interim government and praised Bangladesh’s reform efforts towards building a peaceful nation. She expressed satisfaction with the growing trade relations between the two countries, particularly in the textile and defense sectors, and emphasized her interest in further expanding collaboration. The Foreign Adviser welcomed and encouraged investment opportunities.

Adviser Asif Mahmud expressed his regret over the recent attack at the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET). Speaking at a youth festival on February 19, he assured that those responsible would be swiftly brought to justice. He further emphasized that the Awami League (AL) will not be allowed to participate in elections until they face proper judicial action. “Such a party as the Awami League should be eradicated,” he stated. The incident on Tuesday involved a clash between two groups, resulting in over fifty injuries. Images and videos have surfaced showing students being attacked with local weapons.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has called an urgent press conference to address the recent clash at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET). The press conference will be held at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, February 19, at the Dhaka University Student-Teacher Center (TSC). JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir will attend. A three-member committee was formed on February 18 to investigate the cause of the clash, which resulted in over 50 injuries.

The top leaders of the 12-party alliance have expressed deep concern over the violent clash between the anti-discrimination student movement and the student wing of the opposition in Kuwait. In a statement sent to the media, they emphasized that the unity of all forces in the people’s uprising is our ultimate goal. They stressed that anti-fascists and Bangladeshi nationalists must maintain discipline, tolerance, and engage in positive competition. The leaders further remarked that the events of Tuesday will embolden the allies of autocracy and extend their traps. They warned that if we consider the former student leaders of July and the Shibir as enemies, protecting the hard-earned freedom of July will become exceedingly difficult. The statement concludes with a call for unity.